The Golden Rules of Financial Freedom
Hosted by experienced bankruptcy lawyer Don Golden, this podcast provides practical tips and expert insights to help you break free from debt, build savings, and take control of your financial future. Whether you're just starting out or looking to fine-tune your financial habits, each episode delivers actionable advice to help you achieve financial independence. Tune in to discover how simple, proven rules can turn financial dreams into lasting success.
info_outline
An Abundance Mindset-The First Step to Building Wealth
01/02/2025
An Abundance Mindset-The First Step to Building Wealth
In this episode, we dive into the powerful concept of the abundance mindset—a belief that wealth, opportunities, and success are available to everyone. If the scarcity mindset has been holding you back, we explore actionable strategies to reframe your thinking and take control of your financial future. What You'll Learn: What is an abundance mindset? Discover how this growth-oriented mindset can shift your focus from limitations to possibilities and empower you to achieve financial freedom. 5 Exercises to Develop an Abundance Mindset: Gratitude Journaling: Learn to shift focus from what’s missing to what you already have by recording daily moments of thankfulness. Reframing Limiting Beliefs: Transform negative thoughts with actionable, positive affirmations using a scarcity-to-abundance worksheet. Celebrating Small Wins: Track progress toward financial goals with a progress log and reward yourself for milestones. Visualization: Create a wealth vision board to stay motivated and align actions with long-term financial success. Learning About Money: Spend 5–15 minutes daily building financial knowledge to reduce fear and boost confidence. Key Takeaways: A positive mindset is foundational to financial success. Small, consistent changes can rewire your brain and transform your financial journey. Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to: Like, comment, and share your thoughts or questions. Subscribe to the podcast for weekly tips on defeating debt and building wealth. Follow us on YouTube and TikTok for more personal finance insights!
/episode/index/show/thefreshstartforlifepodcast/id/34699395
info_outline
The Scarcity Mindset-Why Building Wealth is So Hard!
12/23/2024
The Scarcity Mindset-Why Building Wealth is So Hard!
In this episode, we tackle a fundamental question: why is building wealth so hard, even though the formula is simple? Episode Highlights: The Simple Formula for Wealth Building: Live on less than you make and save the difference. Sounds easy, right? But why do so many people struggle with it? Understanding the Scarcity Mindset: Learn how a fear-based approach to money leads to procrastination, splurge spending, and missed opportunities. Identifying a Scarcity Mindset: Take our quick quiz to see if this mindset is holding you back. The Impact of a Scarcity Mindset: Explore how it affects your financial decisions and prevents long-term wealth building. Preparing for Change: Get ready to transition from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset in the next episode. Key Takeaways: Your mindset about money plays a bigger role in your financial success than your current income or circumstances. Avoiding financial risk, focusing on short-term rewards, and delaying savings can sabotage your wealth-building efforts. Shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset is critical for financial freedom. Call to Action: Subscribe: Don’t miss upcoming episodes where we’ll dive deeper into overcoming financial challenges. Engage: Leave a comment sharing what’s holding you back from building wealth—we’d love to hear from you! Stay Connected: Like this episode, share it with friends, and turn on notifications for future content. Join us next time as we explore how to rewire your brain for an abundance mindset and take the first steps toward financial empowerment.
/episode/index/show/thefreshstartforlifepodcast/id/34592550
info_outline
Episode 16-We're Back!
06/19/2024
Episode 16-We're Back!
The Fresh Start for Life Podcast is back! Don explains that the reason the show was on hiatus for so long was because he had some staffing issues at the law firm and he has been busy doing all the initial consulations. However, he created a new role in the firm called Debt Relief Consultant and he hired Taylor Kasten to fill that role. Taylor joined Don for the episode to discuss her role and background. Taylor shares her personal financial journey, including her experience with student loan and credit card debt. She emphasizes the importance of financial education and teaching her own kids about money. Don and Taylor then discuss their favorite personal finance books and the general lack of financial education in today's socieity. They also talk about Taylor's role as a debt relief consultant which involves meeting with clients, understanding their situation and finding solutions to help them get a fresh start.
/episode/index/show/thefreshstartforlifepodcast/id/31798647
info_outline
Episode 15: with Allentown, PA Bankruptcy Attorney Charles Laputka
06/12/2024
Episode 15: with Allentown, PA Bankruptcy Attorney Charles Laputka
NOTE: THIS EPISODE WAS RECORDED IN 2022. Don Golden interviews Charles Laputka, a bankruptcy lawyer from Allentown, Pennsylvania, about his journey to becoming a lawyer and his passion for helping people with their personal finances. Charles shares his experience working in the banking industry and how it led him to becoming a bankruptcy lawyer. He also talks about the importance of taking a holistic approach to bankruptcy and helping clients rebuild their credit and financial lives after the discharge. Charles emphasizes the need for financial education and offers tips on personal finance like setting up automatic savings and charging appropriately for small business owners. The episode concludes with Don and Charles talking about their partnership and the free access Charles provides his clients to the Fresh Start For Life program created by Don. The Fresh Start for Life program teaches people how to rebuild their credit to around 700 within 12-24 months of their discharge.
/episode/index/show/thefreshstartforlifepodcast/id/31724272
info_outline
Episode 14 Coaches aren't Just for Sports with Carrie Williams
02/23/2022
Episode 14 Coaches aren't Just for Sports with Carrie Williams
When most people think of a coach they think of the person who taught them to play a sport or who leads their favorite pro or college team. However, coaches aren't just for sports. There are all kinds of coaches in the world. There are life coaches, business coaches, nutrition coaches and yes, even personal finance coaches. In this episode we interview Carrie Williams of Running Valley Financial Associates, LLC and she talks about how she helps people get on track with their finances so they can create and travel down their own path to financial freedom.
/episode/index/show/thefreshstartforlifepodcast/id/22232018
info_outline
Episode 13 How to Go From Point A to Point B on Your Financial Journey
12/09/2021
Episode 13 How to Go From Point A to Point B on Your Financial Journey
If you start with the letter A then you draw a line to the letter B and A represents where you are right now in your financial journey and B represents where you want to go, otherwise known as your financial goals, which do you think is the most important? Would it surprise you if I told you that knowing where you are right now is not as important as knowing exactly what your financial goals are or where you want to go in the future? In this episode, America's Chief Results Officer, Blaine Oelkers explains this concept in detail and teaches us other techniques to help us reach our financial goals.
/episode/index/show/thefreshstartforlifepodcast/id/21435236
info_outline
Episode 12 A Goal Without a Plan is Really Just a Wish
10/14/2021
Episode 12 A Goal Without a Plan is Really Just a Wish
There are some very basic rules of personal finance. If you learn and follow those rules, you will are perfectly capable of reaching financial freedom. We like to call these The Golden Rules of Financial Freedom. In this episode, bankruptcy attorney Don Golden tells us about his clients who usually have nothing saved for retirement. Seeing so many people suffer financially led Don to become passionate about helping people reach their financial goals. He talks about his personal finance story and introduces us to the first Golden Rule of Financial Freedom, you have to set a goal, develop a plan and follow it!
/episode/index/show/thefreshstartforlifepodcast/id/20821532
info_outline
Episode 11-You Need a Budget With Bobbi Olson
08/28/2019
Episode 11-You Need a Budget With Bobbi Olson
What’s the most important thing when it comes to going from broke and bankrupt to financially free? Learning to manage your money. And the most important part of managing money is knowing how to budget. Figuring out a budget often strikes people as scary or a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be. On today’s show, we’re joined by Bobbi Olsen. Bobbi is a budget coach and the cohost of a budgeting podcast called Centsable Chat. Listen to the episode to hear what Bobbi has to say about the debt snowball versus the debt avalanche, how to allocate money, and her own journey from struggling with debt to financial freedom. Topics Discussed in This Episode: How Bobbi got interested in personal finance and budgeting What resources Bobbi used to educate herself about personal finance How long Bobbie was struggling before Bobbi’s radio career Debt snowball versus debt avalanche How Bobbi counsels her clients about the debt snowball versus the debt avalanche Whether it’s possible for everyone to get fully out of debt or be able to retire The first step for someone to take to get on track Bobbi’s podcast, Centsable Chat How to think about your budget What leveraging is Allocating your budget What to do about unexpected expenses Enjoying the benefits of a worry-free financial life The number-one reason for budgeting The intent of Centsable Chat How Bobbi’s budget-coaching business works Links and Resources:
/episode/index/show/thefreshstartforlifepodcast/id/11012429
info_outline
Episode 10-Playing with Fire
07/24/2019
Episode 10-Playing with Fire
Playing With fire sounds dangerous, but the FIRE movement is actually not about danger. In a way, it’s more about safety – or at least, having a safety net. Today, it’s not realistic to plan to work for the rest of your life. People are living longer thanks to better health practices and medicine, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re able to work for all of that extra time. So how can you make sure that you have the money you need to live on when you reach a point where working is no longer feasible or desirable? The answer lies in financial independence. Listen to the episode to learn more about the FIRE movement and the journey toward financial independence. Topics Discussed in This Episode: Your position following a bankruptcy filing What the fire movement is all about How you reach financial independence Whether it’s realistic to work for the rest of your life The financial independence mindset Investing for your future Compound interest How to start saving Links and Resources:
/episode/index/show/thefreshstartforlifepodcast/id/10624871
info_outline
Episode 9-Don't Ignore Your Credit Card Debt Problem
07/10/2019
Episode 9-Don't Ignore Your Credit Card Debt Problem
What can happen when you fall behind on your credit card payments? Most people know that they can expect a hit to their credit score and perhaps phone calls from creditors, but often they believe that since the debt is unsecured, nothing more serious can happen. However, this is not the case. Ignoring your credit card debt can be very dangerous to your financial situation. In this episode, we’ll be talking about what happens when you fail to pay your credit card debt and what you can do when you find yourself falling behind. Topics Discussed in This Episode: What it means when a credit card company charges off your debt What happens when a credit card company sells your debt What to do if you’re receiving phone calls from a company that has purchased your debt How you can be taken to court for your credit card debt What happens when you ignore a lawsuit filed by a creditor What your options are when you’re having financial difficulties What to do if you’ve been sued When to consider bankruptcy as an option Links and Resources:
/episode/index/show/thefreshstartforlifepodcast/id/10454834
info_outline
Episode 8-Apology and Announcements
06/26/2019
Episode 8-Apology and Announcements
The intention for the Fresh Start for Life podcast is to release a new episode every two weeks, but unfortunately, sometimes things get in the way of keeping up with that goal. In this episode, you’ll hear an apology for falling behind as well as some announcements that will interest listeners of Fresh Start for Life. Topics Discussed in This Episode: Apology for falling behind Announcement about new book Announcement about becoming the consumer bankruptcy expert for Channel 8 WFLA Resources and Links
/episode/index/show/thefreshstartforlifepodcast/id/10264955
info_outline
Episode 7-Teaching Kids About Money Part 2 - Budget
05/29/2019
Episode 7-Teaching Kids About Money Part 2 - Budget
What kinds of expenses does your teenager have? Which ones are your responsibility, and which ones should be their responsibility? What’s the best way to teach a teenager to make a budget? Today’s episode will address these questions and more. Today’s episode is the second in a short series on teaching kids about money, using the book Smart Money, Smart Kids written by Dave Ramsey and Rachel Cruze. In this installment, the focus is on giving, saving, spending, and budgeting. Listen in to hear more about showing your children how to be good givers, why a teen needs an emergency fund, and what kinds of expenses teenagers have to think about, as well as some updates from the previous episode about work. Topics Discussed in This Episode: Talking to kids and teens about working for their money Using a modified envelope system The three main things you can do with money Showing children how to be good givers Showing teens how to plan their spending How a teenager could use an emergency fund How to do a budget with a teenager The kinds of expenses teenagers have Links and Resources:
/episode/index/show/thefreshstartforlifepodcast/id/9952400
info_outline
Episode 6-Teaching Kids About Money Part 1 - Work
05/15/2019
Episode 6-Teaching Kids About Money Part 1 - Work
How are your children learning about money? As a society, we may not be doing everything we should be doing to teach children about how money works – where it comes from, how to get it, and what to do with it when you have it. These lessons aren’t taught in school, and parents often don’t know where to start. Today’s podcast is the first of a short series on teaching kids about money, with lessons coming from the book Smart Money, Smart Kids written by Dave Ramsey and Rachel Cruze. Listen in to hear about why kids need to earn money of their own, the difference between an allowance and a commission, and how teens can benefit from learning to manage a checking account. Topics Discussed in This Episode: How the need for spending money increases for kids as they grow up Making kids earn money of their own The difference between an allowance and a commission When to start children doing chores around the house for commission What types of chores children can do for a commission at different ages and stages Encouraging teens to earn money through sources other than their parents What types of jobs teens should look for and what they can learn from working Teaching teens to manage a checking account Links and Resources:
/episode/index/show/thefreshstartforlifepodcast/id/9774182
info_outline
Episode 5-How To Finance a Car Even If You're In Bankruptcy-With David Roberts
05/01/2019
Episode 5-How To Finance a Car Even If You're In Bankruptcy-With David Roberts
Bankruptcy can be a way out for people struggling with debt. However, many people in that position fear the possibility of losing their vehicle or being unable to finance a vehicle after they file for bankruptcy. Since people depend on their vehicles for so many things, from getting to work to taking care of their kids, this fear can prevent people from filing for bankruptcy even when it might benefit them to do so. In today’s episode, you’ll hear an interview with David Roberts. David is the president of Automotive Fresh Start Center, a business dedicated to helping its customers finance vehicles post-bankruptcy. During the interview, David talks about extended warranties, zero money down deals, and “buy here, pay here” dealerships. Listen in to find how David’s business is different and how it helps buyers who are in bankruptcy or struggling with debt. Topics Discussed in This Episode: David’s history in the car business Why David hates the car business Why you should research online How dealerships make money from extended warranties When extended warranties are good What kind of credit score someone needs for a car loan Why auto financing sometimes doesn’t go through even after the buyer has been told they have a loan approved How quickly new cars depreciate in value What Automotive Fresh Start Center is and what they do The difference between a Chapter 7 and a Chapter 13 bankruptcy when it comes to financing a vehicle Whether down payments are required for Automotive Fresh Start customers How Automotive Fresh Start is able to offer the deals they do to buyers in bankruptcy What kinds of interest rates Automotive Fresh Start customers can get How “buy here, pay here” dealerships operate What types of cars Automotive Fresh Start Center sells Which areas David’s clients come from What kind of documentation David’s clients need Other ways David’s business helps customers recover from bankruptcy How people can learn more about David’s business Links and Resources: Call Automotive Fresh Start Center at: 1-800-848-5830
/episode/index/show/thefreshstartforlifepodcast/id/9572201
info_outline
Episode 4-The Growing Problem of Consumer Debt for Baby Boomers and Senior Citizens
04/17/2019
Episode 4-The Growing Problem of Consumer Debt for Baby Boomers and Senior Citizens
It’s becoming more and more common for senior citizens to struggle with debt, even when they’re at or near retirement age. Why is this happening? What can seniors do to get out of debt without decimating their retirement funds? How can younger people avoid ending up in debt as senior citizens? Today’s podcast will address some of these questions. We’ll look at some of the main reasons that seniors wind up in debt, and examine a case study that shows an example of what the financial position of a senior in debt looks like. Even people who aren’t yet senior citizens can benefit from this discussion as we look at some ways younger people can avoid becoming seniors who are in debt. Topics Discussed in This Episode: Some of the major reasons why more and more seniors are finding themselves in debt A case study of senior debt Options for seniors dealing with debt When bankruptcy is an option Protecting a retirement fund Importance of talking to elderly family members about debt How you can avoid debt as a senior citizen Links and Resources:
/episode/index/show/thefreshstartforlifepodcast/id/9396584
info_outline
Episode 1 Who is Don Golden and What Is Fresh Start For Life
04/02/2019
Episode 1 Who is Don Golden and What Is Fresh Start For Life
Today’s show is a departure from the normal format. Rather than an interview, this is a solo show designed to help you learn more about Fresh Start for Life, this podcast, and of course, your host Don Golden. Listen in to hear more about Don’s background, why he started Fresh Start for Life, and what to expect going forward. Topics Discussed in This Episode: How Don ended up in Florida Don’s area of expertise in law Don’s law firm Don’s work as a statistician Why Don started Fresh Start for Life How Don plans to use the Fresh Start for Life Podcast to help his clients What to expect out of the Fresh Start for Life Podcast Links and Resources:
/episode/index/show/thefreshstartforlifepodcast/id/9238424
info_outline
Episode 3 Student Loan Debt-Know Your Options with Christie Arkovich
03/28/2019
Episode 3 Student Loan Debt-Know Your Options with Christie Arkovich
Paying off student loan debt can take years or even decades. That debt can act as an anchor that weighs you down financially. And if you’re struggling with student loan debt, you’re not the only one – there are some alarming statistics that reveal the extent of the student loan debt problem in this country. Currently, 45 million Americans owe student loan debt, and collectively, they owe 1.56 trillion dollars. What’s more, 11.5% of student loans are 90 or more days delinquent or in default. For those people, achieving the financial life of their dreams will be difficult until they get the debt under control. Today’s guest, Christie Arkovich, is a student loan debt attorney in Tampa Bay. She specializes in representing borrowers who are struggling with student loans. Listen in to hear what she has to say about federal and private loans, options for people who are delinquent or in default on their loan, and how a student loan lawyer may be able to help borrowers who are struggling. Topics Discussed in This Episode: The impact student loan debt has on the economy The types of student loans available to borrowers When private loans are necessary What makes someone ineligible for federal loans Differences between federal and private loans Borrower’s options when they’re delinquent or in default Options that can help borrowers avoid default Christie’s lawsuit against Navient What student loan servicers do How the student loan debt crisis compares to the housing crisis Links and Resources: Quotes by Christie: “There’s a lot of different federal programs designed to either sometimes partially eliminate or discharge the debt or allow for more reasonable payments, and ultimately forgiveness.” “One of the bad things is that most people don’t have one student loan. They might have four to fifteen or so.” “What I have found is that one out of three families usually have student loans.”
/episode/index/show/thefreshstartforlifepodcast/id/9179780
info_outline
Episode 2 WYTAYBA-Secrets To Using the Power of Your Mind to Live the Financial Life of Your Dreams-With Blaine Oelkers
03/25/2019
Episode 2 WYTAYBA-Secrets To Using the Power of Your Mind to Live the Financial Life of Your Dreams-With Blaine Oelkers
Can you really change your life just by changing the way that you think? That’s what today’s guest is here to discuss. Blaine Oelkers is an entrepreneur who’s run a variety of profitable businesses over the past 25 years, including a consulting firm, a pizza franchise, four health and wellness business, and a personal development company. He’s also begun to social enterprises that use a business model rather than a charity model in order to help end malnutrition. Blaine has a passion for helping people find their hidden abilities that will allow them to lead the life that they desire, design, and deserve. He’s committed to getting results and has trademarked the title, Chief Results Officer. Listen to the episode to hear what Blain has to say about social enterprises, how to study the book Think and Grow Rich, and how to achieve the $10,000 hour. Topics Discussed in This Episode: How Blaine’s two social enterprises got started How social enterprise works How a passion for a project helps drive results The first step toward getting the financial life that you want The lost pages of the original Think and Grow Rich A technique to help people discover their true desires How to get past the day-to-day struggle and think bigger What WYTAYBA means How to dilute head trash The $10,000 hour Where listeners can learn more about Blaine Oelkers Links and Resources: Quotes by Blaine: “If you’re listening to this and you own a business, there’s probably a way for you to incorporate some type of social giving or social give-back to the community.” “Your thoughts actually create your life, and your consistent thoughts, right, what you tell yourself, that’s what really makes all the difference.” “When you start to work on yourself, all the stuff gets better.”
/episode/index/show/thefreshstartforlifepodcast/id/9135317